'New proposed assessment rate in Terengganu a burden'

The new assessment rate in Terengganu that is to be implemented early next year has been described as 'a burden' for the people who are already facing a rising cost of living.

The increase, said Kuala Terengganu MP Raja Datuk Kamarul Bahrain Shah would be a burden for the people.

"Lately, the cost of living has been rising with the increase in the price of oil, electric and the soon to be implemented GST. This is a great blow and a challenge for the people right now,” said Kamarul Bahrain.

Terengganu Assessment Rate Hike Issue Action Committee chairman Ahmad Amzad Hashim said that the hike of up to 200%, would be among the main factors that will contribute to the rising cost of living of those living in the state.

Ahmad Amzad said the committee has submitted a memorandum of protest to the Kuala Terengganu City Council (MBKT) in regards to the hike on Tuesday.

The note of protest was sent to the office of the assistant administrative officer at the MBKT Mayor's office, Mohamad Muda.

On January 16, Terengganu Menteri Besar Datuk Seri Ahmad Said announced a proposal to increase the assessment rate of areas under the MBKT administration effective January 1, 2015.

The new rate is said to help reduce the state government's financial burden as the current tax rates has been in use since 1981.

The assessment rate on residential owners and business premises in the state has been fixed for the past 32 years although the current value is said to have doubled.